The test launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from the Airborne Launch Control System on a Navy E-6 Mercury jet, according to the Air Force.

The US regularly tests its intercontinental weapon system to verify its accuracy and reliability — with launches scheduled long in advance, according to defense officials.

But while the Air Force has conducted a similar missile test as recently as February 7, Wednesday’s launch is notable in that it occurred amid rising tensions and military flexing over North Korea’s own nuclear program.

The Minuteman III is traditionally known as the only land-based leg to the US nuclear triad. But Wednesday’s test highlighted the Air Force’s ability to also launch the intercontinental ballistic missile from controls in an aircraft — a measure primarily used in a back-up role in case another deployment system fails.

“Today’s test launch used an intercontinental ballistic missile pulled randomly from a silo on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which was then transported and reassembled at Vandenberg, and launched by crew members,” the Air Force statement said.